New teams lift league

SOUTH Coast Group 7 Rugby League general manager Jim McAuliffe is a happy man.

SOUTH Coast Group 7 Rugby League general manager Jim McAuliffe is a happy man.

With a successful centenary season behind the sporting body, last week's general meeting indicated an explosion in numbers for 2014, with the possibility of 10 new teams joining the competition.

"I am delighted - in fact I couldn't be happier with the way things are shaping up, with 11 teams in first grade, 10 in reserves, 10 or 11 in under-18s, nine in ladies league tag and the reformation of the third grade competition - we have plenty to look forward to," Mr McAuliffe said.

"Probably the only downside is that Batemans Bay are unable to field a reserve grade side and there is a possibility that there may not be an under-18s side between Berry and Milton, despite the efforts of our development officers.

"But nothing stays the same and we can't get too complacent - we are in a good position now and must work hard to keep it that way."

The re-admittance of Shellharbour City Sharks to the competition has added a new element, while Albion Park Outlaws and Jamberoo, whose third grade sides have been forced to play elsewhere during the past few seasons, will be joined by the new Stingrays Juniors Shellharbour, Culburra-Greenwell Point, Shellharbour City and Gerringong in what looks like a competitive third grade competition.